NEW Grimsby Town goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell is hoping history doesn't repeat itself at Blundell Park tomorrow evening.

The 22-year-old, who agreed a loan switch from Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday ahead of the transfer deadline, will go straight in between the sticks for the Mariners against Luton Town.

But he'll be hoping for a better outcome than the last time he faced the Hatters – his Football League debut for Oldham ending in a 3-0 defeat in 2008.

The Owls stopper is relishing the chance of first-team football at Town after answering the SOS call from manager Neil Woods following injuries to both Kenny Arthur (hamstring) and Nick Colgan (elbow).

And he can't wait to get started, despite meeting his new team-mates for the first time only yesterday.

The young Yorkshireman said: "I'm used to being the new boy now – I've been to a few places on loan.

"It's just a case of getting to know the lads as quick as I can before tomorrow.

"When I went to Oldham I had even less time – I met up with the lads at the team hotel the night before.

"I played against Luton on my league debut when they were in League One a few years ago.

"Obviously they dropped a bit since then.

"It's ironic they are the opponents for my first Grimsby game as well."

O'Donnell has already had a taste of action at Blundell Park this year – keeping goal for Alan Irvine's Owls in Town's 2-1 pre-season triumph.

Naturally, he's hoping for a Mariners win again tomorrow now he's a part of the team and he's looking forward to taking his chance in front of the live TV cameras.

O'Donnell went on: "You want to put in a good show regardless of whether the cameras are there.

"It's on television so it's a big game for both sides so early on in the season.

"Grimsby is a massive club and looking to get promoted this year so there weren't any concerns about dropping out of the league.

"I played here in pre-season, though it probably wasn't one of my better games.

"But I saw first-hand the crowd Grimsby can get at a nice ground.

"I'm looking forward to it.

"I need games so it's a good chance for me.

"The club needed a keeper so it's good for everyone.

"It happened pretty quickly on Tuesday afternoon and had to be with the deadline approaching. I think it only took a couple of hours to tie up.

"You can't beat playing in games that matter rather than Reserve games.

"That's what helps your development as a player.

"I'm at that age where I need to get match experience."

O'Donnell has agreed an initial month-long stay on the east coast but hasn't ruled out stopping beyond that if required.

For now, however, he is fully focused on a winning debut.

He added: "How long I stay depends on how I perform and how Kenny and Nick get on with their recovery.

"I'm here for a month for now and that's all I'm concentrating on.

"If it gets extended then brilliant, but for now it's about playing well in the six games in September."